The purpose of this article shall be:

(a)

To provide for the appropriate location and development of solar farm facilities in such locations as will promote the public safety and general welfare;

(b)

To minimize, through proper siting, landscape, screening and careful design; the potential for visual incompatibility of solar farm facilities;

(c)

To accommodate an increased demand for the development of solar farm facilities;

(d)

To encourage the location of solar farm facilities in non-residentially developed areas;

(e)

To consider public health, safety and welfare.

(Ord. of 5-9-2017, § 1, 5-9-2017)

The term 'solar farm facility" shall be defined as an area of land which there are a number of photovoltaic solar panels exposed to radiation of heat from the sun and used for producing electricity as a utility-scale solar application.

(Ord. of 5-9-2017, § 2, 5-9-2017)

Subject to the requirements of this article, solar farm facilities shall be conditionally permitted as a principal use in R-AG (residential agricultural), RR-1 (rural residential), M-1 (wholesale and light industrial) and M-2 (general industrial) districts.

(Ord. of 5-9-2017, § 3, 5-9-2017)

The standards and procedures for granting or denying a conditional use request in the comprehensive land development resolution for the Unincorporated Area of Peach County, Georgia shall be applicable to this article. In addition to the standards listed, the planning and zoning commission and the board of commissioners shall also consider the following standards in granting or denying a conditional use request for a solar farm facility:

(a)

Consistency or compatibility with the general pattern of land development or lack thereof within the zoning district;

(b)

Whether or not the proposed use is detrimental to the character of the area or neighborhood or would be consistent with the trends of development in the area or neighborhood;

(c)

Consistency with the county's master land use plan;

(d)

Whether or not the proposed use can be designated to function effectively for its intended purpose without creating negative off-site impacts for adjoining parcels.

(Ord. of 5-9-2017, § 3, 5-9-2017)

Any decision by the planning and zoning commission or the board of commissioners that results in denial of a request to place or construct a solar farm facility shall be in writing and supported by substantial evidence contained in a written record.

(Ord. of 5-9-2017, § 4, 5-9-2017)

(a)

Minimum lot size. The minimum lot size requirements shall be the same minimum lot size in that Zoning District which the proposed parcel is located.

(b)

Minimum setback requirements. The minimum setback requirements shall be 50 feet from the right-of-way and 50 feet from all property lines.

(c)

Maximum height. The maximum height shall be the same as the maximum height requirement in that zoning district which the proposed parcel is located.

(d)

Security fencing. Solar farm facilities shall be completely enclosed by security fencing not less than six feet in height. Said fencing shall be screened. Access shall be provided through a locked gate.

(Ord. of 5-9-2017, § 5, 5-9-2017)

It shall be unlawful for any person or entity who has not made application for and obtained a building permit in accordance with this article to erect or construct a solar farm facility. Applications for building permits under this article shall be submitted to the zoning administrator or his designee and shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges on file in the office of the clerk or the board of commissioners.

(Ord. of 5-9-2017, § 6, 5-9-2017)

Solar farm facilities shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. The operator of the facility shall maintain the facility, including all buffer screening, in compliance with the approved plans. The facility shall be kept free from weeds, dust, trash and debris.

(Ord. of 5-9-2017, § 7, 5-9-2017)

If a solar farm facility is removed, any earth disturbance as a result of the removal shall be landscaped in accordance with the Peach County Code of Ordinances. A solar farm facility is considered to be abandoned or defective if it has not been in operation for a period of 12 months. If abandoned, the facility shall be repaired or removed by the responsible party within the time period designated by the Peach County Zoning Administrator.

Solar farm facilities shall be subject to the creation of a decommissioning plan at the time of conditional use permit approval. This plan shall include, at a minimum:

(a)

Defined conditions upon which decommissioning will be initiated;

(b)

Removal of all non-utility owned equipment conduits, structures, fencing, roads and foundations; restoration of property to condition prior to the facility development;

(c)

The timeframe for completion of removal and decommissioning activities;

(d)

Signed statement from the party responsible for completing the decommissioning plan acknowledging such responsibility.

(Ord. of 5-9-2017, § 8, 5-9-2017)